European Institute

On June, 26, 2015, The European Institute held a luncheon in cooperation with Latvia's Presidency of the Council of the European Union with The Honorable Andris Piebalgs, European and Economic Affairs Advisor to the President of Latvia and Former European Commissioner for Development (2010-2014) and Energy (2004-2009). Mr. Piebalgs highlighted the Latvian Presidency's work to advance the EU's economic growth and competitiveness through such trade initiatives as TTIP, and stressed the importance of the Digital Single Market, the push for a stronger Energy Union, and the vital need for continued cooperation with the Eastern Partnership countries. Mr. Piebalgs also addressed the main challenges the EU is facing, including the continued crisis in Ukraine and growing tensions with Russia on the EU's Eastern flank, increased illegal migration, and the implications of a possible Grexit and/or Brexit.